In collaboration with the Canadian Red Cross, UFV students have set up collection boxes to raise money for Turkey’s earthquake victims.

On Oct 23, a destructive magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit eastern Turkey near the city of Van.

According to the Disasters and Emergency Situations Directorate of Turkey, casualties have climbed to over 600 people, with hundreds more feared dead.

Another 4,000 victims have been injured and authorities estimate that more than 60,000 people have been left homeless.

This week, aid workers are winding down rescue efforts and concentrating on helping survivors, who are facing harsh winter conditions, including snow and freezing temperatures.

“When I heard about snow hitting the area, I knew I had to do something,” said UFV Turkish student Deniz Petekkaya, who is organizing fundraising efforts at UFV. “I can easily imagine how hard it would be for thousands of people to be left homeless in this type of weather.”

As the only Turkish student on campus, Deniz is looking for students to volunteer to help him raise funds.

On the Abbotsford campus, students will set up donation boxes in Alumni Hall (Building B), Tim Horton’s (Building G), Baker House front desk (Building H) and UFV International office in B223.

On the Chilliwack campus, a collection box will be available in the Agriculture office (Building B).

Donations above $20 are eligible for a tax receipt from the Red Cross.